þonne
þonne is a word from Old English (Anglo-Saxon) that functions as an adverb and a subordinating conjunction meaning “then” or “when.” It marks temporal relations and is used to connect clauses that describe sequence in time or a time-related condition. In Old English texts, it appears in both prose and poetry to indicate the time at which an action occurs or follows another event.
Spelling and form: The form is written with the letter thorn (þ) as þonne. It is the
Etymology and cognates: þonne is a Germanic cognate form associated with similar temporal terms in other North
Usage notes: In early English, þonne could appear in various temporal constructions and, in some textual contexts,
Modern English: The direct descendant of this form is the modern adverb “then,” which retains the core
See also: Old English language; thorn (letter); history of the English language.